Portlanders are passionate about the Rose City and with good reason: This hip and eclectic destination has so much to offer, from its lush parks and gardens to its renowned culinary scene, to its distinct and vibrant neighborhoods. In Portland, the largest city in Oregon, you’ll likely find more camping gear than couture. That’s why constructing The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, posed a unique challenge for design leads Kyle Andersen, Principal at GBD Architects and Mary Alice Palmer, Global Creative Director and Founding Principal at ROAM Interior Design.

Creating a striking and sophisticated property that would dazzle visitors while blending in with the landscape was a top priority for the team.

“The goal was to express the unique story of Portland in a meaningful way that bridged the gap between luxury and the raw and gritty character of the city,” says Palmer. The key to creating a harmonious balance was restraint.

“This property had to be unique yet understated,” says Andersen. Read on for an inside look at how the designers collaborated to translate the distinctive beauty of the Pacific Northwest into a stunning, 35-story, 251-room crystalline tower.

The Architecture: A New Skyline Takes Shape

When Andersen first started developing the design for The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, the building’s impact on the city's silhouette wasn’t top of mind. However, now that the property has evolved from a concept to a reality, he can’t help but admire how it enhances the view.

“We have what is affectionately called the “Big Pink” high rise at the northern end of Portland and higher buildings in the central business district in the southern part. The Ritz-Carlton, Portland fills in the gap between those two areas and plays in the skyline differently than any other building in the city today,” says Andersen.

Portland isn’t known for gravity-defying skyscrapers — uncomplicated, boxy-shaped structures are more the norm. Part of what makes The Ritz-Carlton tower a bright spot when gazing out into the horizon is the top, which boasts a striking geometric shape that gleams in the sunlight. This “crown” is made of tapered glass and is inspired by the faceted sunstone crystals that decorate the Oregon mountains.

The Interiors: Rugged Meets Refined

Portland is known for being the perfect place to explore natural wonders. So how do you make the indoors just as enticing as the outdoors? Perhaps the smartest move is to ensure that guests never feel like they’re missing out. Although it’s a vision in its own right, The Ritz-Carlton, Portland boasts spectacular views of the skyline, the Cascade Mountain Range and the Willamette River. Once visitors pry their eyes away from the windows, there’s plenty to marvel at inside the hotel.

One of the most interesting tidbits of Portland history is that the city’s name was decided by a coin toss. The champagne copper details used throughout the property are a nod to the famous “Portland Penny” that sealed the town’s fate. The spirit of adventure also features prominently in the interior design in both subtle and dazzling ways. At first glance, the custom-designed leather furniture might just seem luxurious and comfortable, but it’s intended to conjure up images of a classic travel trunk that a worldly explorer might own. By contrast, Bellpine, the hotel’s 20th-floor restaurant, offers a breathtaking interpretation of Portland’s appeal.

“It evokes the nearby dramatic Oregon coastline and the mystery of the ships that sailed these shores. The space is sculpted as if by the tides of the sea with inspiration from the sea stack rock formations and the flora and fauna of the tidepools,” says Palmer.